The Catalan giants struck a permanent deal for youngster, who turned 19 last week, tying him down for the next three and a half years.

McGuane had made two senior appearances for the Gunners, and looked set to go out on loan to Scottish giants Rangers.

But instead agreed terms with Barcelona, and in reverse to Cesc Fabregas in 2003, left his home for Spain to kick-start his career at the top level.

Marcus McGuane left Arsenal for Barcelona in the January transfer window (Image: Getty Images Europe)

McGuane recently completed his first training session with his new side, before coming off the bench to play the final 15 minutes of Barcelona B's 2-1 win over Cordoba, and it seems he has already caught the eye.

Profiling the midfielder, Catalan publication SPORT, who watched the teenager train, wrote: "Marcus McGuane has had just a training session with Barca but has already generated many expectations.

"At Arsenal he had already played a game in the first team of Wenger with good performance. Of him they emphasise his enormous physical power and that technically he's excellent.

The Catalan giants struck a permanent deal for the teenager in January (Image: Getty)

"Another key to his signing is his versatility. McGuane can play defensive midfielder, midfielder, centre back or side.

"Undoubtedly, a multipurpose for Gerard Lopez [Barcelona B coach]. Therefore, despite his youth, everything seems to indicate he will be able to help the Barca branch in their search for salvation."

The youngster impressed in his first Barcelona training session (Image: Getty)

McGuane is expected to play for Barcelona's B team until coaches believe he is ready to test himself in the first team.

He is currently playing alongside such other talented youngsters as left-back Marc Cucurella and Oriol Busquets - the heir to his namesake, Sergio.